Blog Posts

Last week, we looked at 4 of the 7 phases of the serial killer cycle: the aura phase, the trolling phase, the wooing phase, and the capture. This week, we look at the last three phases: the murder, the totem phase, and the depression phase. By the way, this episode…

This week, we look at the serial killer cycle, a theory proposed by Joel Norris in 1988. While the theory is rather lacking in scientific testing, it ties in well with the concept of serial murder as addictive behavior, a concept I believe has considerable merit. Dr. Norris’ “Phases of…

Last week, police in Oregon had just arrested Jerry Brudos. This week, we wrap up his story. One note: I’m switching to referring to Jerry Brudos as “Brudos” rather than “Jerry” in this episode. Most everyone else in this episode is being referred to by their last name, so it…

Last week, Jerry Brudos committed two more murders, and two others nearly became victims. This week he kills once more, and the police finally close in. You can also download the episode directly. And feel free to use the comments below for episode discussion. Sources: “Lust Killer” by Ann Rule…

Last week, Jerry Brudos had made his first actual kill, the opportunistic murder of Linda Slawson. This week, we see that Jerry has developed a taste for killing. You can also download the episode directly. And feel free to use the comments below for episode discussion. Sources: “Lust Killer” by…

Last week, Jerry Brudos had just been discharged from the Oregon State Hospital. While he was only a part-time patient, it was still a difficult adjustment. You can also download the episode directly. And feel free to use the comments below for episode discussion. Sources: “Lust Killer” by Ann Rule…

Jerome Henry Brudos was born on January 31, 1939 in Webster, South Dakota. Jerry’s older brother, Larry, was smart and well behaved. All indications are that Jerry’s parents weren’t looking for another child, and if they had to have another, a daughter would have been preferred. It doesn’t seem Eileen…

Colonel David Russell Williams was a decorated pilot in the Canadian Air Force, who had flown Queen Elizabeth II. Colonel Williams was base commander for Canadian Forces Base Trenton, the largest air base in the country. Colonel Williams was an avid photographer, runner, and angler. Colonel Williams was happily married….

Listener Lalith asks: “What is the significance of mutilation pre and post death? Why do some killers mutilate the face while others only the genitalia?” She actually asked this question intending it to be part of last week’s Questions and Answers episode, but I thought it was meaty enough for…

In this week’s episode, we look at what causes someone to become a serial killer. We’ll be mostly discussing psychopathic sexual murder, rather than psychotic murder. Psychopathy, also known as sociopathy or antisocial personality disorder, is a behavioral disorder characterized by an abnormal lack of empathy combined with abnormal immoral…